Fire Bans
Current Fire Hazard Status
ATHABASCA COUNTY
Fire Restriction in Effect for Athabasca County
In accordance with Athabasca County Fire Services Bylaw 015-2023 section 8, a Fire Control Order (Fire Restriction) is now in effect for lands within Athabasca County located outside the Forest Protection Area.
Under this Restriction:
• The issuance of new fire permits is limited to exempted activities as detailed below.
• All existing permits for activities other than those exempted below are suspended.
• The discharge of fireworks and use of exploding targets is prohibited.
For greater clarity, this Restriction does not include:
• Recreational fires in Bylaw compliant Fire Pits;
• Burn Barrels with substantiating permits;
• Essential agricultural burning (smudging).
As a reminder to all residents and visitors, the Athabasca County Fire Services Bylaw 015-2023 defines requirements for fire pits and burn barrels.
“Burn Barrel” means a contained fire designed for the controlled incineration of household refuse, with the exception of Prohibited Debris, in a container that meets the following design criteria:
a. is a non-combustible barrel or container;
b. has a six millimeter or smaller metal screen to reduce the risk of flying sparks and debris,
c. is positioned on exposed mineral soil,
d. a minimum of three meters clearance of combustible material, and
e. is positioned at least 30 meters away from all structures and trees.
“Fire Pit” means a permanently affixed outdoor fire receptacle that:
a. is constructed of non-combustible material;
b. has an open flame area that does not exceed 1 meter at its widest point;
c. has walls which are a minimum of 0.60 meters in height measured from the floor of the Fire Pit to the top of the wall of the Fire Pit excluding any chimney;
d. is set upon or built into the bare ground or a non-combustible material such as brick or stone;
e. is situated at least 3 meters from any house, garage or similar Structure including wooden decks, porches, and similar amenity space attached to a Structure measured from the part of the Fire Pit which is closest to the Structure or amenity space;
f. is situated at least 3 meters from any other combustible material measured from the part of the Fire Pit which is closest to the combustible material;
g. is not located directly under any tree, overhanging branches, or aboveground utility wires, or over any underground utilities; and
h. has a non-combustible mesh screen covering with openings no greater than 1.25 centimeters across.
Any fire pit not meeting the design requirements as noted above shall require a fire permit. Under this fire restriction, permits for non-conforming fire pits shall not be issued.
This Fire Control Order comes into effect at 1 o’clock p.m. on the 29th day of July 2024 and will remain in effect until amended or revoked by the proper authority of Athabasca County.
Please contact us for more information:
780-675-2273 | 1-844-662-2273 | info@athabascacounty.com
FOREST PROTECTION AREA
A portion of Athabasca County falls under the Alberta Forest Protection Area which is governed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. This provincial agency manages and responds to all wildfires and is responsible for issuing permits and putting on fire bans in the Forest Protection Area (see map below). Call 780-675-8168 for more information.
Alberta Forest Protection Area Boundary Map
(click to enlarge)
Forest Protection Area Athabasca County
(click to enlarge)
FIRE BAN BACKGROUND
Athabasca County monitors fire hazard during the spring, summer and fall in order to determine the risk of wildfire and may issue a fire ban if the hazard is high. A fire ban is an order issued by the provincial government and/or the County to restrict the use of fire in areas of high hazard. The order describes what types of fire are allowed or may in fact entirely prohibit the use of any fire. This is a tool to attempt to minimize the risk of accidental wildfires resulting from human activity.
The County utilizes the Fire Weather Index (FWI) System to assess the fire hazard as well as consultation with the local SRD fire prevention officers. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has moved to a five level colour-coded system for putting on fire bans in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta and Athabasca County will be following this same system.
The system will increase efficiency in applying fire use restrictions during increasing fire hazard. It will also provide more advanced warning about possible impacts on burning and campfires. The intent is to improve the overall system and be more consistent in our terminology while using plain language.
This system will allow us to be more flexible as the fire situation changes. The general description of the five levels is as follows:
No Restriction – Fire permits are required during fire season for any type of burning in the FPA, except campfires. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.
Fire Advisory – The fire hazard rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn’t improve.
Fire Restriction – Safe campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds only. No campfires (or other open fires) or charcoal briquettes are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed.
Fire Ban – Fire permits may be suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. If the situation continues to worsen, ESRD will put on a fire ban. No campfires (or other open fires) are allowed in campgrounds or backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed. All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Forest Area Closure – The fire hazard has reached such extreme levels that portions of the forest are closed and no access is permitted for public safety concerns.
A complete list of Provincial Fire Bans or the current level of restriction in the County can be obtained by visiting www.albertafirebans.ca
FIRE PERMITS
If you are planning to burn some debris a fire permit is required by law. They are free and can be applied for using our online form or contacting the Athabasca County Admin Office.
